Re: A DSLR or a Bridge Camera and a Camcorder with AA Batteries

With regard to your request for a camera recommendation in your price range, I like two DSLR's - the Canon EOS1100D and Nikon D3100. Both have very good image quality, including in low light, and are very quick performers, though I think the Canon has the edge in those areas. They both come with decent quality 3x zoom lenses (make sure you get the Canon version with IS (image stabilization)). The Canon's HD movie mode is OK, but nothing spectacular and the camera won't autofocus during movie mode. The Nikon shoots higher definition movies (1080p) and can autofocus while taking movies.

Sorry, I'm not knowledgeable enough about camcorders to recommend one.

Re: A DSLR or a Bridge Camera and a Camcorder with AA Batteries

I forgot about the AA requirement.

For a low-cost DSLR, that leaves only the Pentax K-R - a very good camera and similar to the Canon EOS 1100D. For a good bridge camera (an ultrazoom) with AA's I like the Fuji HS20EXR, which has a 30x zoom lens.

Re: A DSLR or a Bridge Camera and a Camcorder with AA Batteries

Originally Posted by naton

Guys, thanks for the recommandations.

Andy Stanton, thanks for confirming that for DSLR my only choice is the pentax.

Do 4 AA batteries last as a single Li-Ion battery?

The Pentax K-R comes with a rechargeable lithium ion battery that should last for about 500 shots. You can also get an insert for 4 AA batteries that would last from 200-300 shots (regular AA batteries) to well over 1000 shots (lithium AA's).

How about nikon for the bridge camera? is the L120 any good compared to the Fuji HS20?

The L120 does not have as many features as the Fuji HS20EXR (not as much zoom, no manual exposure controls, not as good in low light) but the L120 is a good camera and much less expensive than the Fuji.

Beside the ability to change lenses, what are the other advantages the Pentax has over the Fuji?

The Pentax has much better image quality because it has a large APS-C sensor (standard for most DSLR's).